Bjoern Werner 2013 NFL Draft scouting report

2012 Stats: 42 tackles, 13 Sacks

2012 wasn’t a great year for Florida State defensive ends. First, Brandon Jenkins went down with a season ending injury after entering the season with considerable NFL Draft hype. Tank Carradine picked up the slack, though, but ended up tearing his ACL and missing the remainder of the season. Two quality NFL Draft prospects suffering severe injuries in a span of a few months.

The German born Bjoern Werner was the one consistent factor, though. Staying healthy the entire year, Werner collected 13 sacks and seems to have played his way into the top ten picks of April’s draft.

Pros: Werner is an explosive pass rusher off the snap. He possesses ideal length for the defensive end position and always seems to fly off the ball. The combination of his length and explosive first step makes him a handful for any offensive tackle. Add to that his ability to bend around the edge, and Werner possesses the skill set to wreak havoc as a speed rusher.

He’s not strictly a speed rusher, though. Werner also has the strength to be a dangerous bull rusher as well. He plays with solid leverage and pad level, using his hands well to disengage from blocks and keep defenders out of his pads. That strength gives his game balance, and he should be able to stay on the field on running downs early in his career. He has the ability to put tackles on their heals while disengaging at the perfect time to make plays in the backfield. He also holds the point of attack well for a defensive end. Werner’s balance as a player is what makes 4-3 defensive end his best fit at the next level.

Cons: Despite common perception, Werner doesn’t have the best motor. He has a tendency to disappear for stretches of games, struggling to put together a full 60 minutes of football. His lack of motor is most glaring when he’s in pursuit of ball carriers down field. He really doesn’t get after the ball carrier consistently enough to impress.

It would also be beneficial for Werner to put on a little bit of weight. He lost some weight over the summer when he was injured and could stand to add some of it back if he hasn’t already. His combine weigh-in will be an interesting one.

Werner also projects as more of a 4-3 defensive end at this point, because he has shown limited range and isn’t great in open space. 3-4 outside linebacker may not suit him well.

Conclusion: Werner looks like the most complete 4-3 defensive end available in the 2013 NFL Draft. His strength is what sets him apart from some other players at his position. He has the ability to develop into a guy that won’t need to come off the field and can be as dangerous against the run as he is rushing the passer. With a good defensive line coach, Werner could be a star in the NFL.

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